Coming This Week (Reminder): Library Journal Day of Dialog Fall 2026: Virtual, Free, and Features ME

 

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Join us October 22 for our Library Journal Day of Dialog virtual event! Spanning a variety of genres, this free, day-long program will offer an in-depth look at the biggest forthcoming books for fall/winter 2026. You’ll hear directly from top authors as they discuss their new titles, inspiration, process, and more.

And don’t forget the virtual exhibit hall! Visit the booths to download free resources and chat with publishing representatives. 

EVENT HOURS: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET

 

I am going to share the full program below, but please note, there are often 3 concurrent programs. This is all good because all sessions will be available for on-demand viewing within 24 hours, and the entire event will be accessible for three months from the event date. So pick your first go around faves and then join in after, but you have to register to have access.

Speaking of the schedule, I am doing one of those first sessions:

10:05 – 10:55 AM ET | Nightmares on the Page
Creepy novels, full of atmosphere, foreboding dread, and shocking scares.

Gerardo Sámano Córdova, Imps! (Tin House: Zando)
Elle Engel, He Always Comes Back (akaSTORY: Abrams)
Eric LaRocca, Brute (Simon & Schuster/Saga Press: Simon & Schuster)
Gus Moreno, If You Think You're Lonely Now (G.P. Putnam's Sons: Penguin Random House)
Tanya Pell, This B Just Won't Die! (Gallery Books: Simon & Schuster)
Moderator: Becky Spratford, LJ Horror Review Columnist

But there is SO much more.  

Go to the main page and you will find everything you need know: full schedule, registration link, another bios, and the sponsors who will be in the virtual exhibit hall. 

I hope to see some of you there.

FULL PROGRAM is below or at this link.

9:00 – 9:30 AM ET | The Exhibit Hall Opens
 

9:30 – 10:00 AM ET | Opening Keynote
Jojo Moyes discusses Three Sisters (Pamela Dorman Books: Penguin Random House), a novel about a family reunion that is by turns comic, tempestuous, heartfelt, and ultimately redemptive.
Moderator: Jill Cox-Cordova, former LJ Associate Editor

THREE CONCURRENT PANELS
 

10:05 – 10:55 AM ET | Nightmares on the Page
Creepy novels, full of atmosphere, foreboding dread, and shocking scares.

Gerardo Sámano Córdova, Imps! (Tin House: Zando)
Elle Engel, He Always Comes Back (akaSTORY: Abrams)
Eric LaRocca, Brute (Simon & Schuster/Saga Press: Simon & Schuster)
Gus Moreno, If You Think You're Lonely Now (G.P. Putnam's Sons: Penguin Random House)
Tanya Pell, This B Just Won't Die! (Gallery Books: Simon & Schuster)
Moderator: Becky Spratford, LJ Horror Review Columnist

10:05 – 10:55 AM ET | Spellbound for Love
A conversation on crafting fantastical worlds with romance, adventure, and high stakes.

Ruby Dixon, Villain Origin Story (Ace: Penguin Random House)
Tzeyi Koay, A Curse Carved in Ink (Atria Books: Simon & Schuster)
Alexis L. Menard, Vices & Virtues (Forever: Hachette)
Lexi Ryan, Night Tide (Deluxe Limited Edition) (Avon: HarperCollins)
Tasha Suri, The Lady of Thorns (Orbit: Hachette)
Moderator: Nicole Gaudier Alemañy, Assistant Branch Manager, Brooklyn Public Library (NY)

10:05 – 10:55 AM ET | Turning the Page Together
A lively discussion on books worth talking about, perfect for sharing with friends and book clubs.

Karen Joy Fowler, Otter Music (G.P. Putnam's Sons: Penguin Random House)
Elizabeth Wellington Rollins, The Three Graces of Pearl Street (Atria Books: Simon & Schuster)
Nina Michiko Tam, Tastes Like Seeing God (Pamela Dorman Books: Penguin Random House)
Rory Squire, Small Talk (Cardinal: Hachette)
Marisel Vera, The Girls from Humboldt Park (Liveright: Norton)
Moderator: Lynnanne Pearson, Head of Adult Services, DeKalb Public Library (IL)

THREE CONCURRENT PANELS
 

11:00 – 11:30 AM ET | Nobody Told Me This About Parenting
Experts provide practical, compassionate approaches to raising kids today.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, The Dysregulated Kid (Page Two: Page Two)
Lisa Damour, The Emotional Lives of Parents (Ballantine Books: Penguin Random House)
Moderator: Ashley Rayner, Librarian at NORC, University of Chicago (IL)

11:00 – 11:30 AM ET | Nonfiction Illustrated
Discover culinary traditions, experience a life-changing journey, and reflect upon a tragic moment in history.

Christopher Benson, Framing Emmett Till (Abrams ComicArts - Megascope: Abrams)
Matthew Maxwell, How to Hold a Cockroach (Penguin Random House)
Linda Yi, Let's Make Sichuan! (Ten Speed Graphic: Penguin Random House)
Moderator: Alexander Zalben, Host and Editor, Comic Book Club

11:00 – 11:30 AM ET | Supernatural Curiosity
Explore the museum of lost things, travel to enchanted fairy lands, and encounter ghostly hauntings.

Sarah Clegg, Perilous Enchantment: The True History of Faeries (Atria Books: Simon & Schuster)
Sam Kean, The Museum of Lost Things (National Geographic: Disney)
Margo MacDonald, A Curious Presence: An Exploration of Ghosts and the People Who Haunt Them (ECW Press: ECW)
Moderator: Sarah-Ruth Tasko, Readers' Advisory Librarian - Darien Library (CT)

THREE CONCURRENT PANELS
 

11:35 AM – 12:25 PM ET | Culinary Adventures
Discover fresh ways to cook, eat, and feel your best with these four Union Square cookbook authors. From Italian favorites and fiber-fueled meals to the science of flavor and everyday wellness, this panel serves up practical recipes, expert insights, and delicious inspiration for every home cook.

Anna Francese Gass, Instant Italian: 100 Modern Classics—Ready in Under an Hour
Dr. Emily Leeming, Fiber Power: 60 Recipes to Transform Your Energy and Boost Your Health in Four Weeks
Helen Rennie, The Science of Dinner: Lessons in Flavor and Texture with 60 Essential Recipes
Elizabeth Stein, Nourish and Thrive: 100 Balanced Recipes for Everyday Wellness
Moderator: Ron Block, Branch Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library System (OH)

11:35 AM – 12:25 PM ET | Novels of Twists and Turns
These mysteries and thrillers range from cozy to creepy and are full of suspense, misdirection, and plot twists.

Tempest Black, Bitter Fruit (Little, Brown and Company: Hachette)
Meg Blakemore, When Harriet Met Homicide (Atria Books: Simon & Schuster)
Lauren Ling Brown, The Inheritance Thief (Bantam: Penguin Random House)
Alyssa Cole, It Takes a Village (Wildthorn: Macmillan)
Rebecca Connolly, Webs of Ink (Shadow Mountain: Shadow Mountain)
Moderator: Tina Panik, Reference Manager, Avon Free Public Library (CT)

11:35 AM – 12:25 PM ET | Sea Stories
Nonfiction books that capture the drama and danger of life at sea, with accounts of shipwrecks, science, and tragedy.

Caitlin Doughty, Dead in the Water (W. W. Norton & Company: Norton)
Mark Harris, Deep End (W. W. Norton & Company: Norton)
Ben Rawlence, The River in the Sea (St. Martin's Press: Macmillan)
Decker Watson, The Sinking of The Scandies Rose (Gallery Books: Simon & Schuster)
Moderator: Dontaná McPherson-Joseph, Collection Management Librarian, Oak Park Public Library (IL)

12:25 – 12:55 PM ET | Break / Visit the Exhibit Hall

12:55 – 1:25 PM ET | Afternoon Keynote
Join Isabel Ibañez in conversation with St. Martin’s Publishing Group’s Executive Editor Eileen Rothschild as they discuss Witch Dance (St. Martin's Publishing Group / Saturday Books: Macmillan Library Marketing), an atmospheric, historical fantasy where forbidden magic, a deadly mystery, and an enemies-to-lovers romance collide in Renaissance Europe.

TWO CONCURRENT PANELS

1:30 – 2:20 PM ET | Enchantment in the Everyday
These books blend time travel, alternate realities, and magical recipes into daily life.

Sarah Addison Allen, Paper Ghosts (St. Martin's Press: Macmillan)
Tabitha Bouldin, Seven Recipes for Second Chances (Bethany House Publishers: Baker)
Emilia Hart, The Enigmas (St. Martin's Press: Macmillan)
Kelly Murashige, Milkiverse (Soho Press) 
Alex Schulman, June 17th (Harper: HarperCollins)
Moderator: James Gardner, Reference Librarian at Clark County Public Library

1:30 – 2:20 PM ET | Make Your World Better
Self-help authors discuss reconnecting with one’s self, focusing on what's really important, and practicing social bravery.

Autumn Brown, Temper (St. Martin's Essentials / Sounds True: Macmillan)
Chris Cleave, Human Again (Scribner: Simon & Schuster)
Amy Cuddy, Bullied (Harper Wave: HarperCollins)
Jedidiah Jenkins, Go Quiet on the Mountain (Convergent Books: Penguin Random House)
John S. Kruse, ADHD World (New Harbinger Publications: New Harbinger)
Moderator: Emily Bowles, Lecturer in English, Georgia Gwinnett College

TWO CONCURRENT PANELS
 

2:25 – 3:15 PM ET | First-Time Authors
Learn about debut novels that run the gamut from ping-pong to magical party islands.

Renny Gong, Ping Pong Kids (Ecco: HarperCollins)
CJ Green, Record Lows (Cardinal: Hachette)
Jordan Harrison, Miss Archer (William Morrow: HarperCollins)
Ronald Lee Robertson, Goliath (Scribner: Simon & Schuster)
Raelle Tucker, Obscura (Crown: Penguin Random House)
Moderator: Jen Jumba, MLIS, Popular Department Manager, Cleveland Public Library (OH)

2:25 – 3:15 PM ET | The Heart of the Matter
Romance books that celebrate connection, character, and unforgettable love stories.

Liana Cincotti, Don't Be in Love (Forever: Hachette)
Kristina Forest, The Unrequited Love Department (Atria Books: Simon & Schuster)
Roxanne LoMarc, Love and Other Two-Player Games (Haven: Baker)
Martha Waters, Spellstruck (Atria Books: Simon & Schuster)
Julia Whelan, Casanova LLC: Deluxe Limited Edition (Kensington: Kensington)
Moderator: Migdalia Jimenez, Librarian, Chicago Public Library (IL)

3:15 – 3:40 PM ET | Break / Visit the Exhibit Hall

TWO CONCURRENT PANELS
 

3:40 – 4:30 PM ET | The Stories We Carry
Authors share the vulnerability and craft of telling their unique histories in their own words.

Miranda Brown, Dumpling Therapy: My Mother, Chinese Food, and Five Thousand Years of Not-So-Ancient Recipes (St. Martin's Press: Macmillan)
Tamra Davis, Girl with a Camera (Gallery Books: Simon & Schuster)
Ana Hebra Flaster, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town (She Writes Press: Indie Author Project)
Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Both and Neither: A Memoir and History of Gender (or a Haunting) (Doubleday: Penguin Random House)
Moderator: Natalie Marshall, Executive Director, Flint River Regional Library System (GA)

3:40 – 4:30 PM ET | Worlds Beyond
Books filled with cozy magic shops, dystopian cli-fi futures, and desert kingdoms readers won't want to leave.

Delemhach, The Dues & Don'ts of Magic (Simon & Schuster/Saga Press: Simon & Schuster)
Sara Hashem, Merciful Carnage (Orbit: Hachette)
Ashley Poston, Elodie and the Dark Lord (Ace: Penguin Random House)
Lev AC Rosen, All Her Potential (Erewhon Books: Kensington)
A.D. Sui, Our Infinite and Inevitable Ends (ECW Press: ECW)
Moderator: Jessica Trotter, Collection Development Specialist, Capital Area District Libraries (MI)

TWO CONCURRENT PANELS

4:35 – 5:25 PM ET | Fantastic Fiction
From the mountains of Jamaica to the hills of Ireland, these books have stories that defy the ordinary.

Mateo Askaripour, Pure Ox (Dutton: Penguin Random House)
Wiley Cash, Same River Twice (William Morrow: HarperCollins)
Nicole Dennis-Benn, Black Gold (Random House: Penguin Random House)
Mary Beth Keane, Whale Harbor (Scribner: Simon & Schuster)
Susan Meissner, Somewhere, Something Incredible (Berkley: Penguin Random House)
Moderator: Andrea Gough, Adult Services Librarian, Seattle (WA)

4:35 – 5:25 PM ET | Reading the Past
Writers weave historical elements, including the Space Race and 19th-century immigration, into compelling narratives.

Marianne Fons, The Dressmaker of Winterset (Union Square & Co.: Union Square)
Jennifer Galvão, Maria, Maria (Random House: Penguin Random House)
Pam Jenoff, The Society of Forgotten Wives (Park Row: HarperCollins)
Shirin Yim Leos, Of Wind and Dust (The Dial Press: Penguin Random House)
Erin Litteken, Find Me in the Stars (Harper Muse: HarperCollins Christian/Focus)
Moderator: Felicia Humphries, Asst. Director Library Services, Boston Public Schools (MA)

5:30 – 6:00 PM ET | Closing Keynote
Bestselling crime writer S.A. Cosby brings his signature grit and suspense to the Marvel Universe with Truth to Power: A Luke Cage Marvel Crime Novel (Hyperion Avenue: Disney), a thrilling tale of justice and power that pushes heroes to their limits.
Moderator: Ron Block, Branch Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library System (OH)

Resource Alert: Reading Pathways via Book Riot Featuring Daniel Kraus As an Example

Navigating a new author is both an exciting and frightening situation for readers. Exciting because they get exposed to an entire new backlist of reading choices. Frightening because even when the books come from the library (pre-paid), people don't want to waste what little free time they have to read on something they end up NOT enjoying.

This is why those of us in RA Service work so hard to provide start with titles for authors. But when an author has a lot of books, where to start is not as easy as giving people one book.

For example, with Stephen Graham Jones I used to always say new readers to SGJ should start with The Only Good Indians; however, that was when new readers were coming to him from Horror only. With the mainstream success of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, I have had to pivot on how I suggest a SGJ start with title, and instead of automatically offering TOGI, I instead start to ask question such as: How familiar are you with horror?  I often start people with I Was A Teenaged Slasher if they are new to the genre completely.

"Start with" titles matter. The right first book for that specific reader could make our break their experience, and we are uniquely situated to help start them on a journey toward a new favorite author. 

BUT, we cannot possibly know how to introduce readers to every single author. That is why we need to use resources! (Rule #7 in my 10 Rules of Basic RA Service). And thankfully, one of my top 5 resources in general, Book Riot, has an entire series that does this new author navigation work for us. It is called Reading Pathways and you can access all of them here.

Recently, they had a perfect example of why we need their help as they published this Reading Pathway for Daniel Kraus.

Daniel is not only prolific, but he also writes for all ages of readers and across genres. With his Pulitzer Prize for Angel Down this past April and Whalefall (the movie) opening nationwide today, new readers will be finding him in high numbers. But Book Riot has us all covered. 

And this article on Kraus is written by Kelly Jensen, who knows his work as a YA and Horror expert. This matters. As you look at the entire series, the articles are written by someone who is well versed in that author and who has been paid to take the time to research and present the reading pathway to potential readers. Like all Book Riot articles, these are written in a conversational but knowledgeable style. They are also edited and vetted. 

We do not have the people power, time, or editors to get this type of authoritative resource out for the number of authors we could use it for. However, Book Riot is a trusted RA source and we should use it.

Set up a section of your resources page on your website to link to these articles. Give Book Riot the credit for the work, and send your readers there for more information. You will look brilliant to them. 

Remember, your patrons don't need to personally provide the answer to every question they have; rather, they need you to point them to the best authoritative resource that can give them the answers they seek.

So as you get those questions about Kraus this weekend, check out the Book Riot's Reading Pathways article on him. Then spend some time looking through the other authors for which they have an article and figure out the best way to get that information to your patrons for when they need it (now or sometime in the future).

Library Reads: November 2026

         

 It's LibraryReads day and that means four things here on RA for All

1. I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
2. I can remind you that even though the newest list is always fun to see, it is the older lists where you can find AWESOME, sure bet suggestions for patrons that will be on your shelf to actually hand to them right now. The best thing about LibraryReads is the compound interest it is earning. We now have hundreds and hundreds of titles worth suggesting right at our fingertips through this archive OR the sortable master list allowing you to mix and match however you want.
3. You have no excuse not to hand sell any LibraryReads titles because there is a book talk right there in the list in the form of the annotation one of your colleagues wrote for you. All you have to say to your patron is, “such and such library worker in blank state thought this was a great read,” and then you read what he or she said.
4. Every upcoming book now has at least 1 readalike that is available to hand out RIGHT NOW. Book talk the upcoming book, place a hold for it, and then hand out that readalike title for while they wait. If they need more titles before their hold comes in, use the readalike title to identify more readalike titles. And then keep repeating. Seriously, it is that easy to have happy, satisfied readers.

So get out there and suggest a good read to someone today. I don’t care what list or resource you use to find the suggestion, just start suggesting books.

Please remember to click here for everything you need to know about how to participate. 

And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.

Now let's get to the November 2026 list.... 

Psst...Would you prefer to see the list unveiled as a video? LibraryReads has got you. Click here for the November list video.

 

Kemmerer, Brigid

Captive Traitor King: A Novel

Avon

11/3/2026

Book 2 in the Braided Fate series finds Ky, Jory, and Asher in a high-stakes, fragile alliance, where betrayal is lurking around every corner, and dark secrets could tear them apart.  Brigid Kemmerer delivers a sequel full of magic, royal intrigue, and love that will captivate her readers once again.

--Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY

NoveList read-alike: The Beast by Katee Robert

And now the rest of the list... 

Burton, LeVar with Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts

Take My Word for It: A Memoir

Random House

11/10/2026

Actor, library advocate,and Reading Rainbow star Burton reflects on his life in this searingly honest memoir. From growing up in the Civil Rights era, to dealing with fame, Burton always kept family,his identity, and storytelling at the heart of his journey,making this a fascinating and moving book.

--Mary McCullough, State Library of Kansas, KS

NoveList read-alike: Creating Reading Rainbow by Barbara Irwin

Cobb, May

All the Little Secrets: A Novel

Sourcebooks Landmark

11/17/2026

This thriller should come with a “May Day!” disclaimer! Hurricane May Cobb lands in Longview again with some of the scandalous characters featured in her best-selling first in the series, All the Little Houses. After that book’s cliffhanger of an ending, this new one gives us even more sex, murder, and ambition, oh my!

--Carol Ann Tack, Merrick Library, NY

NoveList read-alike: Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber

Cowles, Catherine

Beneath a Midnight Moon

Bloom Books

11/17/2026

After a traumatic night years ago, Aster and Maverick meet again, and their rivalry reignites. When Aster is in danger of losing her family ranch, Maverick does the last thing she expects: proposes. With a fake engagement, a killer on the loose, and the past threatening their present, this book is an exciting return to Cowles’ Starlight Grove.

--Kyler Epstein, Abington Community Library, PA

NoveList read-alike: Haven Brothers series by Claire Kingsley

Flower, Amanda

The First Ladies' Guide to Murder

Kensington

11/24/2026

Following her divorce, Nellie Grant, daughter of President Ulysses S. Grant, returns to Washington DC with her children. Whilst attending a dinner at the White House with her mother and the first lady, Frances Cleveland, a brooch disappears, and a mystery begins, which only the ladies can solve. An excellent story from a favorite author!

--JR Ring, Baltimore County Public Library, MD

NoveList read-alike: Marigold Manners mysteries by Elizabeth Hobbs

Jensen, Danielle L.

Defy the Dusk: Book One of The Sundering Duet

Del Rey

11/3/2026

Lirien avoids using her magic to cause destruction and the forced breeding program. When taken prisoner by the people whose world she destroyed, she doesn’t expect to feel for them and their rebel cause. Forced to work with their leader, Vox, to clear tunnels full of rodent monsters, Lirien can't deny the attraction she feels. Book one of this new series gives off enemies to lovers vibes, solid world building and characters.

--Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin,TX

NoveList read-alike: Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Nava, Danica

Sunflower Season

Berkley

11/3/2026

Fed up with her intense tech job, June decides to leave the city behind and buy a run-down sunflower farm. Her first love, Noah, is still living in town as a local firefighter. As they start crossing paths again, old feelings quickly resurface alongside plenty of unresolved drama. A delightful second-chance romance.

--Alene Moroni, Forbes Library, MA

NoveList read-alike: Fall Into Place by Kristyn J. Miller

Starling, Caitlin

Milkteeth

St. Martin's Press

11/10/2026

As a broodmother, Beatrice must raise and care for two young vampires when she decides to take in a third with ghoul-like tendencies. As Beatrice becomes overwhelmed and her own body mutates and craves the forbidden flesh, she seeks help from a mortal OB/GYN. This unique vampire horror read is gruesome, thought-provoking, and unputdownable.

--Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI

NoveList read-alike: Motherless Children trilogy by Glen Hirschberg

Wilson, Carter

When They Find Me

Poisoned Pen Press

11/10/2026

Annie and her daughter live in a remote Colorado town. Living off the grid, they have a safe room and an escape plan. Their quiet life is shattered when an old motor home pulls into their driveway, bringing a trio hell-bent on revenge. This nonstop thriller is packed with powerhouse twists and surprising turns.

--Magan Szwarek, LibraryReads Ambassador, IL

NoveList read-alike: No Exit by Taylor Adams

Zentner, Jeff

Love, Like Apples

Grand Central Publishing

11/3/2026

A man recalls his part in creating an innovative 1970s puppet tv show. The novel is heartwarming as it explores love, friendship, and found family during the show’s growing pains from breaking boundaries. The story gives hope to those who work to change the world one small action at a time. 

--Jennifir Huston, Boyden Library, MA

NoveList read-alike: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Board Bonus pick:

Marsden, Gracie

Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice: A Novel
Viking

11/10/2026

Notable Nonfiction: 

Meyer, Patricia Knight

Wonderland: Memoir of a Black Market Adoption

Unsolicited Press

11/3/20206

See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks

Click here to see the entire Hall of Fame

Th

e LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into the Hall of Fame. Click here to see the Hall of Fame authors organized in alpha order. Please note, the current year's Hall of Fame lists are pulle

November 2026 Hall of Fame as a video is also here.

Bradley, Alan

Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers: A Flavia de Luce Novel

Bantam

11/3/2026

Klune, TJ

Murmuration

Tor Books

11/17/2026

Roberts, Nora

Birth of the Witch

A Coven of Three Trilogy Book 1

St. Martin's Press

11/17/2026

Scalzi, John

Monsters of Ohio

Tor Books

11/3/2026

Bonus-- read my interview with John Scalzi in the current issue of Booklist Reader, here.